There was mixed reaction to a report on the North/South Interconnector which concluded that an overhead line is the best way of connecting the electricity grids of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The North/South Interconnector is a cross border infrastructure project which will link the electricity networks on the island of Ireland.

The project proposes the addition of a new 400 kV overhead line to the grid, connecting the electricity grids of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. When built, the project will start at a substation in Turleenan, Co Tyrone. It will then run into Co Armagh and then into counties Monaghan, Cavan and Meath.

Pylon (via Wikimedia Commons)

In 2012, an independent report into the project was published by an International Expert Commission appointed by the Irish Government.

The recent study finds that the cost of both the overhead line and underground cable solutions has increased with ‘the underground solution is more expensive’. According to the latest Irish government report, ‘the cost difference is €450 million’.

‘Vital’

Supporters believe the project ‘is vital to ensure the effective operation of an efficient all island electricity market’.

However, there is a dispute between the best way to achieve this, either with overhead lines or undergrounding the project.

The North East Pylon Pressure (NEPP) advocates that high power electric cables should go underground ‘and avoid 400 pylons being built’.

Earlier in 2018, motions were passed in the Oireachtas calling for an updated independent study into the north-south interconnector. Two independent studies were subsequently commissioned to ‘address the main points of the motions as well as key concerns expressed by parties opposed to the development’.

Underground or overground?

The first study investigated the cost and technical feasi​bility of undergrounding the North South interconnector, while the second study examines the levels of compensation provided to land and property owners in proximity to high-voltage transmission lines.

The report is one of two independent studies that have been commissioned by Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Denis Naughten, on the North-South Interconnector.

On 06 October, the report, prepared by an independent international expert commission, found that an overhead line is ‘the most beneficial and cost-effective solution for Irish consumers and businesses’.

‘Project delayed too long’

Ibec, the group that represents Irish business, welcomed the publication and findings of the report. Ibec Senior Energy Executive Conor Minogue called the North South Interconnector ‘one of the most critical pieces of infrastructure needed for Ireland in the next few years’.

“Its delivery is essential to safeguarding security of electricity supply on the island of Ireland and ensuring the ongoing operation of the all-island electricity market. The interconnector will also boost the efficiency and sustainability of the grid, resulting in savings to households and businesses across the island of around £25.5m/ €30m per year.

“The major competitive challenges created by Brexit and rising global energy prices make construction of the North-South Interconnector now more relevant than ever before. The project has already been delayed too long. With the publication of this report, it is time now for all TDs, political parties and stakeholders to get behind this project and ensure its delivery as a national priority.”

Underground is a ‘credible option’

However, in an open letter to the Taoiseach and some Fine Gael ministers on 08 October, the NEPP’s Pádraig O’Reilly wrote that undergrounding is ‘now accepted by all as a credible option’.

“So, we have a credible practical opportunity to underground the interconnector and avoid 400 pylons being built. All that is needed is the political vision and guts to take a strategic decision and move Eirgrid out of its dinosaur direction.

“…The fact that the interconnector has not been progressed is solely down to the hard work of the people of the North-East. No more excuses, no more pretence. Collectively you [Leo Varadkar] have the power to change Government policy. But there is not even a sniff of this even being requested. It is a far cry from 2011 when Deputy English stood up at a large public meeting, stating he had the then Deputy Varadkar’s approval, to commit to fighting tooth and nail for an undergrounding solution.

“We now look to our Opposition representatives to support us and do the right thing when their opportunity comes.”-Padraig O’Reilly NEPPC

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